From experimentation to transformation: ENLIGHT helps shape the future of the European Universities Initiative
ENLIGHT was proud to participate in the 4th European Universities Initiative (EUI) Forum, hosted by the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union at Maynooth University on 10 July. The forum brought together university leaders, policymakers, European Commission representatives and members of the European Universities alliances to discuss the future of the initiative and the conditions needed for its long-term success.
ENLIGHT was represented by Professor Anders Hagfeldt, ENLIGHT President and Rector of Uppsala University, who joined the Rectors' Panel on the future of the European Universities alliances. Reflecting on the progress made since the launch of the initiative, he emphasised that alliances have entered a new phase of development—one that requires moving beyond pilot projects and embedding successful collaboration within higher education systems across Europe.
"We must move from experimentation to transformation."
Professor Hagfeldt highlighted that the challenge is no longer proving the value of European University alliances, but ensuring their long-term sustainability. Drawing on ENLIGHT's own experience, including its work on doctoral cooperation and co-tutelle arrangements, he stressed the importance of mainstreaming alliance activities within universities, advancing the European Degree, attracting global talent and securing sustainable funding alongside stronger engagement from Member States.
ENLIGHT was also represented by Joanne Pagèze, outgoing Vice-President for Internationalisation at the University of Bordeaux, who participated in a panel exploring how universities can break down the traditional silos between education, research and innovation.
Challenging the idea that these missions should be treated separately, she argued that universities naturally operate across all three areas and that European University alliances provide an ideal framework for strengthening these connections.
"European University Alliances represent a shift from internationalisation to Europeanisation."
Joanne Pagèze highlighted how alliances enable universities to work more closely with cities, regions, companies and civil society while creating new opportunities for collaboration across teaching, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. She also emphasised that meaningful institutional change takes time, requiring trust, flexibility and a long-term commitment from both universities and policymakers.
The discussions throughout the forum reinforced several key messages for the future of the European Universities Initiative:
- European University alliances have evolved beyond pilot projects and are increasingly recognised as a permanent part of Europe's higher education landscape.
- Long-term, sustainable and predictable funding is essential if alliances are to realise their full potential.
- Education, research and innovation cannot be addressed separately if Europe wants to strengthen its competitiveness, resilience and societal impact.
- Alliances have already demonstrated their transformative potential, but continued progress depends on supportive policy frameworks, regulatory flexibility and strong cooperation between the European Commission, Member States and universities.
The forum also brought together ENLIGHT President Professor Anders Hagfeldt and Professor David Burn, President of the University of Galway, reflecting the strong engagement of ENLIGHT partner universities in shaping the future of European higher education. Colleagues from the University of Galway also played an important role in supporting the organisation of the event.
As the discussions in Maynooth made clear, the question is no longer whether European University alliances work. The challenge now is creating the policy, regulatory and funding conditions that will allow them to thrive and deliver lasting impact for learners, researchers, universities and society.
ENLIGHT is proud to contribute to these conversations and to help shape the next phase of the European Universities Initiative together with its partners across Europe.
The Alliance would like to thank Maynooth University, the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the organising committee and all participants for an inspiring forum that brought together voices from across the European higher education community. We also extend our thanks to our colleagues at the University of Galway for their warm welcome and support throughout the event.
